The Prince of Wales marks one year of Homewards programme

Prince William has attended a special event to mark the first year of Homewards, The Royal Foundation’s five-year programme working to demonstrate that together it is possible to end homelessness, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.

Homewards is working with six flagship locations across the UK - Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Lambeth in London, Newport, Northern Ireland and Sheffield - to deliver and demonstrate innovative solutions that prevent and end homelessness. By taking a transformative approach to the issue and putting collaboration at its heart, Homewards is showcasing what can be achieved through a collective effort.

The anniversary event in Lambeth, south London, recognised the extensive work that has taken place since the programme was launched in June 2023. It will bring together representatives from the six flagship locations as well as individuals from across the wider homelessness and private sectors. The six local coalitions that have been formed since launch now comprise over 500 individuals and organisations from across the public, private and third sectors.

During his visit, The Prince spent time with representatives from each of the six Homewards locations, hearing about the work they have done over the past twelve months and what they have chosen to focus on moving forwards. The event also featured a fireside chat between Homewards advocate, Sabrina Hatton Cohen, and Chris Lynam, a lived-experience advocate from the Sheffield coalition. Their conversation focused on the importance of individuals with lived experience informing new solutions to homelessness. 

Finally, The Prince delivered a short speech to thank programme partners, advocates, and representatives from the homelessness, public and business sectors, for their commitment and support.

The energy and enthusiasm that each individual and organisation is bringing to the programme, and to showing that it is possible to end homelessness in their local area, is inspiring and I know, together, we can do this. 

In addition to delivering real and tangible impact in each local area, Homewards will use findings from each location to create a tried and tested model that can be adopted by other areas of the UK, and internationally. The programme is also focussed on changing public perceptions of homelessness, by improving understanding, encouraging empathy and inspiring optimism that it can be ended.